The Toolstation Northern Counties East F. L. Premier Division 2019-2020
Saturday Jan 25th 2020.
SILSDEN AFC 0 v 2 KNARESBOROUGH TOWN FC
Att. 267. Anderson 29, Heath 74.
BUMPER CROWD FOR “BIG JOHN” BUT COBBYDALERS STRUGGLE
A bumper crowd were at the Cobbydalers Construction Stadium to celebrate all the work done for the club by the recently deceased John McNulty. The programme had memories about John, a Liverpool fan, and the players came onto the field to “You’ll never walk alone” before a minute’s applause took place.
Once again the Cobbydalers were without key players as they failed again to score against a team below them in the table. Their home record now reads 3 wins, 1 draw and 5 defeats, goals for 14 (7 of which were in one game) and goals against 19.
Knaresborough were soon on the attack breaking down the left. Silsden conceded three free kicks in the opening five minutes, Jack Carr wasting one but Rob Youhill hit a dangerous one across the Silsden goal area but no teammate could get a touch on it. Youhill was a constant threat down the right sending over another dangerous cross before Silsden’s first attack.
Luke Hudson hit a ball up the left to Matthias Britton who cut across the goal before seeing his shot blocked. Back came Town with Dan Illingworth heading clear at the expense of a corner. Some neat football between Jack Powis, Youhill and Jack Carr led to nought before Colin Heath had a shot blocked.
Riley shot over the bar as he slipped, after good work from Britton. Knaresborough again broke down the left and Hudson was fortunate not to receive a caution for his fourth foul in the opening quarter. However Youhill swung over the free-kick and Greg ANDERSON headed in the opener on twenty-nine minutes.
Knaresborough’s defence were not averse to breaking up play with some heavy tackles, which went unpunished, Riley coming in for most of them. At the other end Higginson parried Jack Carr’s effort. Silsden’s Britton cut in and forced a fine save from Dom Smith with five minutes left of the half before Mitchell set him up again but he was closed down.
As the half came to an end, Lawrence Sorhaindo slid the ball to Riley who brought a fine save from Smith. Chances came at both ends, Illingworth and Hill struggling to clear a cross, Knaresborough failing to take advantage. At the other end, Riley shot wide stretching to reach Britton’s cross.
It was easy to see why both sides are struggling near the bottom of the table, as too many passes went astray and half chances were squandered. Mitchell set up Britton for a header but the keeper gathered easily.
Forrest came on to try to add a spark to proceedings but Town’s back line of five were closing down quickly. They almost netted a second but Carrs’ free-kick bounced on the Silsden crossbar. Four minutes later the visitors took total control, Colin HEATH powerfully heading a second from a Youhill’s free-kick.
There was a late response from the Cobbydalers with Forrest setting up substitute Luke Hudson, whose shot hit the side netting. Barnes and Illingworth, up for a corner, were denied by Smith before Luke Hudson hit the side netting in stoppage time.
The recent defeats have left the players lacking in confidence. With two more home games in the week, Forrest will be praying for the speedy recovery of his injured players but also a response from the rest of the players, who need to be more proactive in both defence and attack.
On Tuesday Silsden entertain fourteenth placed Handsworth.
SILSDEN AFC Higginson, Foley, Liam Hudson, Barnes, Illingworth, Hill, Taylor(Forrest 66), Mitchell, Sorhaindo, Riley(Fox 76), Britton( Luke Hudson).Not used Thompson, McKiernon
KNARESBOROUGH Town FC. Smith, Powis, Kidd, Thirkell, Anderson, Cook, Youhill, Parkes, Heath, Carr, Milson. Subs used. Walker 65, Donoghue 65, Bromley 77). Not used. Dugdale.
Referee. Mr. M. Bacon. Assistants. Mr. C. Brown and Mr. S. Wright.
